José Alvarado’s work with a mental skills coach has given him and the Phillies a bullpen boost

STEVEN M. FALK / Staff PhotographerTORONTO — The Phillies sent José Alvarado down to triple A on May 27, with a 7.62 ERA and a lot of thinking to do. It was— not including rehab assignments — in his six-year career. He was throwing the ball hard, but he wasn’t locating it. At the time he was optioned, he was walking batters at a 22.2% clip, which was higher than his strikeout rate of 19.4%.

While he was in Lehigh Valley, Alvarado’s lawyer connected him with Juan Rodríguez, a coach out of Venezuela who works with athletes. Every morning, Alvarado would take an hourlong session with Rodríguez. He realized that when he was on the mound, he was struggling to just focus on baseball. Instead, he was thinking about his responsibilities — mainly the family back home in Venezuela that he had to support — and how his performance would impact them.

“I believe in my talent, and I don’t think I should waste it,” Alvarado said in Spanish. “He’s helped me a lot.” “I think this could be the key that has been giving me success so far,” Alvarado said last week. “Now I know how to get back to where things are good whenever I don’t do well. I’m the same person. I still come in early and work hard every day. I’m more clear on the work I have to do [on the mental side of the game].”

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Oakland A’s swap out arms, add former Rays reliever to rosterThe A’s added two new pitchers to the roster Tuesday in Texas.
Source: OakTribNews - 🏆 597. / 51 Read more »

Three under-the-radar Oakland A’s trade candidatesEven if Frankie Montas’ shoulder injury limits his trade market, the A’s have other players who could interest contenders.
Source: OakTribNews - 🏆 597. / 51 Read more »

Without Bailey Falter, the Blue Jays take advantage of a bullpen game to top the PhilliesThe Phillies cobbled together a bullpen game that ended in a 4-3 loss to the Blue Jays.
Source: PhillyInquirer - 🏆 81. / 68 Read more »

EXCLUSIVE: East Bay man says daughter hit by full bullet, not 'fragment' at Oakland A's gameA firearms expert says the woman's x-ray shows the trajectory of a full bullet, most likely from an AK-47 or similar style weapon, contrary to the term bullet 'fragments' used by Oakland officials previously. Repeal the 2nd Amendment but before that ban ARs. Christ Ban assault weapon now. Just completely outrageous.
Source: abc7newsbayarea - 🏆 529. / 51 Read more »

Pinder’s 12th-inning slam lifts A’s over Rangers 14-7Chad Pinder hit a grand slam during an eight-run 12th inning and the Oakland Athletics overcame another homer by Corey Seager to beat the Texas Rangers 14-7 Tuesday night.
Source: SpectrumNews1TX - 🏆 333. / 59 Read more »

Jerry Schumacher Named Coach of University of Oregon Track and Field and Cross CountryThe Bowerman Track Club coach will continue working with pros at the same time.
Source: runnersworld - 🏆 19. / 71 Read more »